Senior Business Advisor Planning and Reporting

• Lead planning cycles and deliver high-quality reporting
• Provide expert strategic advice to senior leaders
• Wellington-based, National Office location

Join a high-impact team shaping decision-making and performance insights across the Disability Support Services group.

About our team | Mō te tīma

The Disability Support Services (DSS) Group is responsible for commissioning, funding, and stewarding high-quality services that support disabled people, their families, and whānau.

We’re building leadership and management capacity across our teams to deliver both change and business-as-usual effectively.

We work closely with providers, stakeholders, and communities to ensure services are fair, consistent, transparent and sustainable. With a strong focus on performance monitoring, data, and insights, we’re committed to continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.

It’s an exciting time to join DSS as we strengthen our systems and expand our capabilities.

We’re looking for passionate person to help us achieve our goals and make a meaningful impact.

About the role | Mō te tūnga

As a Senior Business Advisor Planning & Reporting, you’ll be the subject matter expert supporting planning and reporting functions across DSS.

You’ll lead the coordination of planning cycles, deliver insightful reporting and analysis, and provide strategic advice that informs decisions across DSS and the wider Ministry.

Key responsibilities include:

• Deliver insights and recommendations through data interpretation and trend analysis
• Lead planning and reporting cycles aligned with strategic objectives
• Identify and implement process improvements for efficiency and impact
• Prepare high-quality reports, dashboards, and performance updates for senior leadership
• Monitor KPIs and contribute to meaningful performance narratives
• Develop and implement planning tools, templates, guidance and continuous improvement processes
• Support the Manager with business planning and workflow coordination

We value diversity and welcome applications from disabled people and those who have lived experience with whānau, or the disability community.

Please contact us if there is any support that we can provide to ensure the recruitment process is accessible to you.

What you bring | Ōu pūmanawatanga

• Strong knowledge and experience in business planning, performance reporting frameworks, and Government accountability processes
• Proven experience advising senior leaders and influencing decisions
• Advanced skills in data analysis and visualisation (Excel, Power BI, Planview, MS Teams)
• Ability to think strategically connecting planning and performance outcomes
• Skilled in managing complex planning cycles and cross-functional coordination
• Excellent communicator with the ability to simplify and analyse complex data
• Strong time management and prioritisation skills
• Knowledge of public sector reporting and governance
• Understanding of disability issues is an advantage

Position Description | He Whakaahuatanga Tūnga

A copy of the position description can be found here. Senior Business Advisor position description.

Salary | Utu-ā-tau: $103,815.00 - $125,958.00

Applications close | Ka kati ngā tono hei te: Friday 18 September 2026.

About us | Mō mātou

The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) is a people-centred organisation. We’re in communities across the motu, working with partners to help New Zealanders be safe, strong and independent.

We provide social policy advice to government, and assistance including income, employment and housing support to people of all ages, families, whānau and communities.

As a Te Tiriti o Waitangi partner, we are committed to supporting and enabling Māori, whānau, hapū, Iwi and communities to realise their own potential and aspirations.

Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. We care about the wellbeing and success of our people and provide a supportive and inclusive working environment where people can thrive and be who they are.

How to apply | Me pēhea te tuku tono

Before you submit your application, please take a moment to review our guidance to understand how AI can best support your application. Candidate Guidance - Responsible AI use in recruitment

To apply, click the 'Apply Now' button to upload your CV, cover letter and complete the online application form.

Note: Your cover letter will be a key part of our assessment process. Please highlight how your skills and experience relate to the key responsibilities listed in the position description and job advertisement.

All applications must be made online. If this is not possible or if you have any queries, please contact us at jobs@msd.govt.nz

Internal MSD Employees – please apply through your myHR portal at work. This will ensure that your myHR employee profile is visible as internal candidate.

Joining us | Ko te hono mai

Joining MSD means being part of a whānau that celebrates the diversity each individual represents.

We show manaaki, we care about the wellbeing and success of people and want everyone to thrive and be who they are in a supportive and inclusive working environment. We work together to make a difference for communities while doing the right thing with integrity. You can find out more about our values here.

If you have any support or accessibility requirements, we encourage you to tell us when you apply so we can assist you through the recruitment process.